Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has been forced to make a grovelling apology to Stacey Dooley after making hurtful jibes about her relationship with her pro dance partner Kevin Clifton.

The acid-tongued 54-year-old initially suggested contestants be inspired by the documentary maker’s success on the dance floor, saying she had been “dragged up from the dance gutter”.

However, things took a nasty turn when suddenly added: “Of course, if you sleep with your dance partner that helps...”

The spiteful and incredibly snide remark is said to have sent shockwaves through the studio, with horrified BBC bosses immediately halting filming.

Craig made the offensive remark on Friday during filming of the pre-recorded launch show (Image: BBC)